PROFITEERING

Marlborough Express, Volume LIV, Issue 182, 3 August 1920, Page 5

PROFITEERING

SUMMARY OF THE PROSECU-

TION

BOARD OF TRADE VINDICATED.

[Press Associytion.]

WELLINGTON, Aug. 3. A summary of prosecutions on charges of profiteering under section 32 of the Board of Trade Act is given by Mr W. G. McDonald, chairman of the Board of Trade. The section named provides that every person commits an offence who either as

principal or agents sells or supplies, or offers for sale or supply, any goods at a price which is unreasonable high. : Mr McDonald says: "By much iteration of the words vaseline, alarm flocks, and rabbit traps, various critics have suggested or insinuated that the Board looks for its', cases outside bread and butter line, and prefers to prosecute comparatively small dealers. The facts prove this kind of criticism ia far from fair."'

Mr McDonald emphasises that the prices of n number of essential articles, distinctly bread and butter lines, are controlled. The prices sire not fixed by the vendors, but by the State. The Board has also interested itself in fixing the prices of milk in various districts. It is closely watching the retail prices of moat, and is ready to take, effective action if the prices are* not continued on basis of the rates of the Imperial, purchase. Thorough , investigation lias been made by the Board into prices of wool. Ag for the prosecutions to date, the Board can show that it has done its duty fairly, without fear or favor. Regarding the infants' food case and the alarm clock ca.se, appeals are pending, and further comment on the cases must be suspended. In connection with several other cases of alleged profiteering fines have been imposed. The prosecutions now pending include charges against dealers jiv footwear, woollen goods, sugar, milk, benzine, cigarettes and other articles. "Sufficient has been done, and sn!!ioient yi being done, to prove to thopublic that the Board of Trade dors not regard the Hoard of Trade Act as :i. dead letter."